Md. Woman Charged With Leaving Dog Inside Car

BEL AIR, Md. (AP) — A Harford County woman has been charged with animal cruelty after authorities say she left her dog in an overheated car while she went shopping.

The sheriff’s office says Daphne Luckhardt was arrested after deputies were called Friday afternoon to the parking lot of the Kohl’s department store in Forest Hill. She’s accused of leaving her Australian Cattle/Beagle mix dog inside her car, with the doors locked and the windows only slightly ajar.

Authorities believe the dog, who was dehydrated when deputies arrived, was in the vehicle for about 90 minutes. The animal is now in the custody of animal control.

Luckhardt was released on personal recognizance after an appearance before a District Court commissioner.

A telephone number for Luckhardt couldn’t immediately be found. Court records don’t list a lawyer.